Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
Periods are inevitable—but surprise tampon prices shouldn’t be. Whether you buy a box every month or stock up in bulk, you’ve probably noticed that tampon costs can add up fast. So how much do tampons really cost, and what factors drive the price?
Let’s break it down by brand, absorbency, type, and buying strategy.
Average Tampon Prices
Type |
Cost per Box (Regular Size, 30-36 count) |
Cost per Tampon |
|---|---|---|
Store Brand (Generic) |
$4 – $7 |
$0.13 – $0.20 |
Name Brand (Tampax, Playtex, Kotex) |
$7 – $12 |
$0.20 – $0.35 |
Organic / Eco-Friendly |
$9 – $15 |
$0.30 – $0.50 |
Tampon Subscription Boxes |
$10 – $20 |
Varies (often higher) |
📄 The average user spends $5 – $10 per month on tampons, depending on flow, brand, and quantity.
Factors That Affect Tampon Prices 💳
✅ Brand Name vs. Store Brand
- Big names charge more for marketing, applicator designs, and “premium” features.
✅ Organic or Specialty Materials
- Organic cotton and biodegradable wrappers = higher prices.
✅ Applicator Type
- Plastic applicators tend to be pricier than cardboard or no applicator.
✅ Absorbency Level
- Super and ultra tampons may cost a little more per piece than light or regular.
✅ Box Size / Bulk Packaging
- Buying in bulk (like 96-count boxes) brings the cost down to as low as $0.12 per tampon.
Where You Buy Matters 🛒
Retailer Type |
Average Box Price |
|---|---|
Grocery Store / Drugstore |
$7 – $12 |
Big Box Retailer (Target, Walmart) |
$6 – $10 |
Online Retailers (Amazon, Thrive Market) |
$5 – $15 |
Subscription Services (Lola, Cora, Rael) |
$10 – $20/month |
🚀 Pro Tip: Set up an Amazon Subscribe & Save to cut 10–15% off name brands.
Are Tampons Taxed? 🤔
Unfortunately, in many U.S. states, tampons are still taxed as “luxury” items, even though they’re obviously a necessity.
✅ Some states have repealed the tampon tax—check your local laws to see if you’re overpaying.
Annual Cost Estimate for Tampon Users 🧳
Usage Level |
Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
Light Flow (1 box/month) |
$60 – $120 |
Average Flow (2 boxes/month) |
$100 – $200 |
Heavy Flow / Organic Brands |
$150 – $300+ |
Multiply that over decades and… yeah. It’s not pocket change.
How to Save on Tampons 🎁
✅ Buy in Bulk
- Large multi-packs reduce cost-per-tampon.
✅ Use Store Brands
- Many perform just as well as the big names—at 30–40% less.
✅ Look for Coupons & Rebates
- Check apps like Ibotta or store loyalty programs.
✅ Consider Alternatives
- Menstrual cups, discs, or reusable underwear may be cheaper long-term (though higher upfront).
Final Thoughts 😎
Tampons might seem cheap in the moment, but the monthly costs add up. Expect to spend $5 to $15 per box, depending on your preferences and where you shop. For regular users, that’s a few hundred bucks a year—minimum.
Got a favorite brand or tampon-saving hack? Share it in the comments and help others bleed on a budget.
🧾 User-Reported Cost: Why is it so frustrating that tampon prices can vary so much? It feels ridiculous that something essential can cost up to $12 a box. And seriously, why are some states still taxing them? It’s annoying to dig through aisles for a decent deal when we all need these.